Set to be released as a jigsaw by Jumbo Games in the UK, this amazing Star Trek artwork by Dusty Abell is also available worldwide as an officially-licensed poster direct from the artist
Jumbo Games, Britain’s leading manufacturer of adult puzzles, is producing a range of Star Trek jigsaw puzzles set to launch in in September, in time for the 50th Anniversary of the franchise. The puzzle range will include a 1,000- and 500-piece puzzle, billed as the “ideal collectable for fans old and new”.
Only on sale in the UK, the 1,000 piece puzzle depicts an amazing image of key characters, ships and universes across Star Trek‘s successful decades, featuring art by Dusty Abell, coloured by Lovern Kindzierski which he first released back in 2012, and is also available as an officially-licensed poster, direct from the artist.
Abell’s primary source of inspiration for his own artistic endeavours is the memories of what he cherished growing up and his desire to share that appreciation with others. Star Trek: The Original Series was one of those special memories he wants to celebrate.
“The trinity of Kirk/ Spock/ McCoy were the backbone and soul of the show for me,” says Abell of the work. “Individually, they represented three distinct qualities whose interplay made for fascinating viewing… Kirk the ethical leader, Spock the logical sounding board and McCoy the emotional confidant. The stories, both serious and whimsical captivated me, the production wowed me and the acting was always entertaining.
“I’ve included at least one, sometimes more, character, entity, starship or structure from every episode of the original series, 80 in all including the pilot, in this piece. I hope Trek fans enjoy this as much as I did making it, I’m pretty proud of it.”
The stunning artwork is just one of many that features in the Star Trek: 50 Artists, 50 Years touring art exhibition, and in a new hardcover collection of the commemorative artwork set for release this September, coming from Titan Books.
As part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations, CBS Consumer Products have commissioned a series of art pieces to celebrate moments, characters, storylines and episodes from the franchise, some of which feature on the official StarTrek.com web site, along with tie-in interviews.
Artists from around the world as well as famous fans have contributed lovingly made posters, photos, sculptures, comic strips, textiles and much more to commemorate the show. The Titan collection includes a foreword by film director Nicholas Meyer.
These days, California-based Dusty Abell works as a character designer in the animation industry, but was previously employed as a comic book penciler and cover artist. His interest in art began at an early age and was deepened by his love of comic books, fantasy illustrations and SF films and television shows.
He collaborated on his Star Trek piece with co-colourist Lovern Kindzierski, a comic book artist who began working in the comic industry in early 1987 for Eclipse Comics. Since that time he has gone on to work for all the major comic book publishers, including Marvel, DC, Image, Dark Horse and IDW.
Lovern has been recognised by the Comic Buyer’s Guide survey as one of comics’ most influential colourists of all time. His Star Trek work includes serving as the primary colour artist on John Byrne’s IDW efforts, including the Romulans: Schism three-parter.
The artwork, says Dusty, “was created by a fan for fans everywhere.
“I hope admirers of Star Trek both old and new will find it representative of the show they remember and love in the same way I do.”
Jumbo Games 500-piece puzzle will focus on Star Trek: The Next Generation, featuring the Captain Jean Luc-Picard, played on screen by Patrick Stewart.
“We are very excited to work with CBS and CPLG on this fantastic franchise, especially as Star Trek is celebrating 50 years – can you believe it?” Stewart Middleton, managing director at Jumbo Games, commented.
“The puzzles will make brilliant collectable pieces, that we envisage being very popular with many new and long standing Trekkies.”
LicensingBiz note the line will arrive ahead of the launch of a dedicated Star Trek exhibition at Birmingham’s NEC this October, during which time the firm expects to see “very high” demand for its new Star Trek puzzles.
“With the Destination Star Trek fan expo coming to the NEC, Birmingham from 7th – 9th October and attended by thousands of dedicated fans throughout Europe, we expect the demand for these new lines will be very high” said Stewart.
• For more information on the puzzles visit www.jumbo.eu, which will be available exclusively in the UK. You can buy an officially licensed full sized 27″ x 41″ movie poster print of Dusty Abell’s Star Trek artwork here – this ships worldwide
• See Dusty Abell’s artwork at dustyabell.com and dusty-abell.deviantart.com
The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: Art and Illustration, Books, downthetubes News, Other Worlds, Star Trek, Television